Vitor Belfort Protégé Cesar Ferreira Set For U.S. Debut at Ring of Fire 40

For Cesar Ferreira, making his U.S. debut at the April 16 Ring of Fire event in Broomfield, Colo., is just another step in a very promising young career.

Following a year that saw him get back on track after being handed his first loss and win back-to-back fights, Ferreira has steadily been working his way up in competition.

“In my last fight, I had an opponent that had so much more experience than me, who was really well known in Brazil,” Ferriera told MMAWeekly.com through interpreter Pedro Lima.

“But like I always, I went in so confident in myself – in my style – that I could get the knockout on him.”

His TKO victory over regarded Cassiano Ricardo Castanho de Freitas was impressive enough that Ring of Fire offered him the opportunity to be part of their next show.

“I’m very happy and excited that I’m conquering this goal that I have in my career,” commented Ferreira. “I think it’s a very, very good step for me to fight in America. I’m glad for this opportunity to go after my goals and conquer my dream.”

Ferreira’s confidence seems to be a trait he has inherited as a protégé of former UFC light heavyweight champion Vitor Belfort.

“Everything that I learned and my game was from him,” said Ferreira of Belfort. “I just was a guy who was looking to fight and I met Vitor and we developed a good relationship.

“I accept all his input on my fight game and I’m very honored that Vitor is my mentor and the one who is helping me improve and grow in this sport.”

Having prepared mostly for his upcoming fight in Brazil, Ferreira also had an opportunity to travel to the U.S. to work with Belfort in Las Vegas at the famed Xtreme Couture gym.

“At Xtreme Couture, I’m learning a lot with all those guys who are big names, big trainers, big coaches, and big fighters,” stated Ferreira. “I’m sharpening my style there and learning new things every day. It’s very good and I’m enjoying it a lot.”

Ferreira will need all his learned skills if he is to defeat Grudge Training Center up-and-comer Chaun Sims at Ring of Fire.

“I know he’s a tough guy who likes to fight, and I respect that,” said Ferreira. “I’ll be there to fight, too. I believe I can promise my best on that evening.”

When asked if he feels that fighting at Denver’s high altitudes could give him problems, Ferreira responded, “I’ve prepared for it.

“My whole camp (was centered around) looking to be fit in the high altitude, so I think I can do good there.”

Should he prove successful against Sims, Ferreira will continue to seek challenges for himself the remainder of 2011.

“For 2011, I would like to fight more in America,” he stated. “I’m always going to look this year for the best fights in my weight class.”

Heading into Ring of Fire, Ferreira may be more known as a student of a great fighter, but after the fight is over, he intends to show everyone why he, himself, is a great fighter and will continue to push himself to excel in the years ahead.

“I would like to thank the Ring of Fire for the opportunity they’ve given me,” he closed out. “I’m really excited for this. I like to say to the fans that I will have a good presentation for them. You will be happy with my fight.

“The fans can expect maybe something new that they’ve never seen before.”